1) You can get E+ seats as a 2P or 1P. My boss in only Premier and I get E+ seats for him all the time and using the website. Are you logging in first before looking at the seats? If I just troll for reservations & schedules before putting the MP # in, the E+ seats do NOT come up. You have to "login" and re-do the whole thing.

2) The only downside to flying UA out of SJC is climbing the stairs outside if it's raining but I like the fact that you are really close to the parking lot & shuttles at that airport (vs SFO). Even though UA has the last gates at that terminal ...

3) The "Book & Hold" deal is only offered at this time to 'select' Mileage Plus members -- and we have no idea how they pick us. It's really not that exciting since you can't manipulate the reservations later or even use it to buy time while you take a coupon to the airport since the agents (airport and phone) aren't supposed to "touch reservations made with Book & Hold". So don't feel sad if you don't have this so-called 'Feature'.